Persistent Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care?
The symptoms of the cold improved with medication, but they persisted after the medication was finished? Hello, Doctor. I have been experiencing cold symptoms for a long time. In mid-August 2021, I had nasal congestion (more severe on the left side), post-nasal drip, and the mucu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. Your symptoms resemble allergic rhinitis combined with post-nasal drip, which may be related to your constitution. You may need to use long-term antihistamines or combine them with a corticosteroid nasal spray. If you stop the medication, the symptoms are likely to recu...[Read More] Persistent Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Chest Specialist Care?
Should We Take My Father to the ER for Worsening COPD and Lung Cancer?
My father has been getting worse after his recent follow-up visit and hospitalization. Should we go to the emergency room? My father was diagnosed with COPD five years ago, and his lung function has been declining since then. Last year, he was also diagnosed with lung adenocarcin...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Tsai, regarding your question about whether to go to the emergency room for hospitalization, let me start with the conclusion: it depends on what you expect the emergency hospitalization to accomplish. During the Lunar New Year period, examinations, medications, and oxy...[Read More] Should We Take My Father to the ER for Worsening COPD and Lung Cancer?
Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Tightness and warmth in the upper right abdomen near the rib cage? Recently, I have been experiencing a tight sensation in the upper right abdomen (approximately from above the navel to below the lower rib margin). Sometimes, it feels warm (similar to the sensation of a heating p...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Ken, based on your symptoms and the tests conducted, the most common issue appears to be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its related symptoms. This is usually associated with abnormal eating habits (e.g., eating late-night snacks before lying down) or irregul...[Read More] Understanding Upper Right Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Your Low Dose Lung CT Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Lung LDCT Report Hello Doctor: Due to a recent family member being diagnosed with lung cancer, close relatives over the age of 40 have undergone LDCT screening. One of the reports is as follows: Finding: (Completion time of the examination is displayed on the images) Low Dose L...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Alex, there is thickening of the pleura at both lung apices, with suspicion of left lower lung fibrosis +/- pulmonary nodules (series 4 image 67). There are no significant changes in the pleura. It is recommended to follow up. Best regards from the Department of Pulmonary M...[Read More] Understanding Your Low Dose Lung CT Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Effective Remedies for Cough and Phlegm Relief in Lung Cancer Patients Post-Chemotherapy
What methods can be used to alleviate symptoms of persistent cough and difficulty expectorating phlegm in lung cancer patients after chemotherapy? Dear Doctor, My father needs to undergo an annual health check-up due to his work requirements. Unfortunately, this year's resu...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The cough suppressants and expectorants commonly used in pulmonology are quite similar. It is recommended to discuss with your attending physician to adjust the medication that is more suitable for the patient's constitution. If necessary, a consultation with a tradit...[Read More] Effective Remedies for Cough and Phlegm Relief in Lung Cancer Patients Post-Chemotherapy
Understanding Wheezing: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Sudden wheezing? Hello Dr. Chang, I have been experiencing issues with nasal allergies for a long time. Recently, I have noticed a wheezing sound when I exhale, which seems to have started with the colder weather. However, this sound only occurs during forceful exhalation and not...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. T, as you mentioned, there may be a suspicion of allergies or even the possibility of an asthma attack. It is recommended that you consult with a pulmonologist or visit the emergency department. Regarding lung cancer, the likelihood is relatively low considering your ag...[Read More] Understanding Wheezing: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Understanding Chest Pain: Could It Be Lung Cancer or Heart Issues?
Hello, doctor? I have been experiencing chest pain for the past month, along with a mild cough that has persisted for quite some time. I visited the doctor three times over the last two weeks and had two X-rays done. The doctors told me that everything was fine. After that, I fel...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Pigpig, if you have already undergone examinations and the symptoms have extended to so many areas, it usually indicates a serious issue. However, considering your age of 17, the likelihood of lung cancer is very low, as is the possibility of heart problems, unless ther...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: Could It Be Lung Cancer or Heart Issues?
Is This Intercostal Neuralgia or a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Could this be intercostal neuralgia? A few days ago, I noticed some pain on the outer side of my right chest (but it doesn't affect my daily activities), and I have not experienced any symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing in the past. Doctor, could this possibly be...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello Mr. Chen, based on your age and the symptoms you described, if there are no external injuries, exercise training, or other stimulating factors, but your symptoms are continuously worsening, it would be advisable to consult a pulmonologist to rule out any localized inflammat...[Read More] Is This Intercostal Neuralgia or a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Understanding Lung Tumors: Insights on Diagnosis and Next Steps
Tumor and lung cancer issues? Dear Dr. Yang, After a family member underwent a chest X-ray as part of a health check-up, a nodule was discovered, which was subsequently confirmed by a CT scan. A PET-CT, bone scan, and MRI have been arranged, and we are currently awaiting the rep...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello, the CT report suggests a malignant lung tumor, mentioning enlarged mediastinal and axillary lymph nodes. A pathological biopsy is still needed to confirm the malignancy before staging. If it is indeed a malignant tumor, it would be at least stage III. The definitive stagin...[Read More] Understanding Lung Tumors: Insights on Diagnosis and Next Steps
Understanding Mild Pain Under the Right Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Mild pain in the right axilla? Doctor, I’m sorry to bother you. I started feeling a slight pain in my right armpit a few days ago, but the pain is very mild and only lasts for a few seconds. I don’t have any symptoms like coughing, coughing up blood, or joint pain. Could this be ...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: The likelihood of lung cancer is low; please visit the pulmonary medicine clinic for an examination.[Read More] Understanding Mild Pain Under the Right Armpit: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Often feel chest tightness and shortness of breath? Hello, Director Jian. For the past six months, I have frequently experienced shortness of breath and chest tightness. I had an electrocardiogram in January of this year, and the doctor said everything was normal. An X-ray during...
Dr. Jian Shuntian Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on the description, it is most likely caused by asthma or stress. Please visit a pulmonologist for an examination. 2. To check for early-stage lung cancer, a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan can be performed.[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath: Causes and Concerns
Concerns About Chest Discomfort After Years of Smoking: A Guide
I have been smoking for about 10 years and would like to have my chest examined due to discomfort? Hello, Doctor. I am currently 24 years old and have been smoking since middle school. I have tried using Champix (varenicline) to quit smoking multiple times, but I ended up relapsi...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: 1. I haven't heard of any issues with drug resistance; most cases are due to individual and environmental factors that make it difficult to adhere to treatment. 2. If you experience deep headaches when coughing or straining, you should consult a neurologist. 3. For ea...[Read More] Concerns About Chest Discomfort After Years of Smoking: A Guide
Is There a High Risk of Lung Cancer After Tuberculosis Recovery?
Is the likelihood of tuberculosis progressing to lung cancer high? Hello Doctor, I am a tuberculosis patient and I have two months left in my treatment regimen. I have read many articles online that suggest that after tuberculosis is cured, it can lead to chronic lung damage and ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Trust your pulmonologist and have regular follow-up chest X-rays every year. If you experience a cough lasting more than two weeks or significant weight loss, return to the pulmonologist for further evaluation. In my personal experience, there is no clear correlation; some...[Read More] Is There a High Risk of Lung Cancer After Tuberculosis Recovery?
Blood-Streaked Sputum Upon Waking: Causes and Concerns
Coughing up blood after waking up? Hello doctor, this morning when I woke up, I noticed blood streaks in my sputum when I coughed. It has occurred intermittently since then, but I have never experienced this before. I haven't been coughing continuously and I don't have ...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Mark: Given your age, the likelihood of lung cancer is low. Although we cannot completely rule out the presence of blood-streaked sputum, the most common cause is still bronchitis. Smoking is harmful to your health in every way, so I strongly recommend that you quit smoking ...[Read More] Blood-Streaked Sputum Upon Waking: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Black Spots on Chest X-rays: What You Need to Know
The chest X-ray shows a black spot? Hello, Dr. Lu: Yesterday, I had a chest X-ray, and the doctor mentioned there was a dark spot and requested that I return in three months for a follow-up X-ray. She explained that she suspects it might be related to the bronchi and noted that ...
Dr. Lu Mingzhi Reply:
Hello: The bronchi are part of the respiratory tract, not a disease name. It is recommended that you visit a pulmonologist for a follow-up examination, and if necessary, discuss with the pulmonologist about arranging a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan.[Read More] Understanding Black Spots on Chest X-rays: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry About Lung Cancer Risks
Chest pain issues? Hello, Dr. Huang. I have been troubled by chest pain recently. Sometimes it hurts on the left side and sometimes on the right side, occurring several times a day, with each episode lasting a few seconds and not exceeding one minute. This symptom has persisted f...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Parker: Based on your description, I also believe that the likelihood of neuropathic pain is higher. Since you had a CT scan last year and considering your age, there is no need to perform a chest X-ray; monitoring is sufficient. I recommend visiting a rehabilitation special...[Read More] Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry About Lung Cancer Risks
Understanding Lung Nodules: When to Worry and What to Do
White spots in the lungs? Hello, in 2020, due to severe abdominal pain, I underwent a CT scan and PET imaging. The physician overlooked the abdominal issue and instead mentioned a 1.3 cm nodule in my lungs, insisting on immediate intervention, which I refused because I had no dis...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The enlargement of a pulmonary nodule has a significant chance of being unable to exclude malignancy (primary lung cancer or metastatic colorectal cancer to the lungs). It is strongly recommended to perform a biopsy or surgical removal; one should not determine the need fo...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: When to Worry and What to Do
Understanding Post-Cold Cough: Is It Related to Lung Nodules?
Coughing after a cold? Hello, Doctor! My wife caught a cold during the Lunar New Year this year, and the doctor diagnosed it as a cold leading to sinusitis, prescribing antibiotics. During the course of treatment, her cold symptoms improved, but she then developed a mild cough. S...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Anxious Husband: If there was a 0.8 cm early-stage lung adenocarcinoma a year ago, the 0.7 cm ground-glass nodule should not be taken lightly. It is best to return to the original surgeon for a detailed examination of the small lung nodule, as it may not cause a chronic coug...[Read More] Understanding Post-Cold Cough: Is It Related to Lung Nodules?
Understanding Right Armpit Pain: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
I would like to ask about experiencing cramp-like pain in the right armpit? In the case of lung cancer, the pain may present as a sharp, cramping sensation or it could be a constant, persistent pain.
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Wang: Lung cancer does not have very typical symptoms, and some patients may even be asymptomatic. The pain you are experiencing may be caused by neuropathy. Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health and recommends further examination.[Read More] Understanding Right Armpit Pain: Is It a Sign of Lung Cancer?
The Health Risks of Cooking Oil Smoke and PM2.5 Exposure
The impact of cooking oil smoke generating PM2.5 on health? Dr. Lin stated that cooking oil fumes and secondhand smoke are the main sources of indoor PM2.5. The harmful substances contained in cooking oil fumes are numerous and should not be underestimated in their impact on huma...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The time you spend cooking differs significantly from that of an average housewife. Cooking methods such as frying without a range hood may increase exposure to cooking fumes, but most chefs do not develop cancer, so there is no need for excessive worry. Additionally, gene...[Read More] The Health Risks of Cooking Oil Smoke and PM2.5 Exposure